Spare(s) time

It's come to that time of year when I need to sort out my pre-season spares. In the short time I've been racing I've figured out a few things, one of the most important being that you have to maintain your bike well and make sure it's spot on for each race.

That being said, you can't account for problems you might have during the race. To help try to overcome those, I bring a big box of spares with me to each event, just in case. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I have them waiting for me if I need them.

Thanks to ET James as always, I've got everything I need for now, here's the shopping list:

• Michelin Enduro Comp III
• Michelin Enduro Comp IV
• Michelin BIB Mousses
• Front and rear brake pads
• Front and rear wheel bearings with seals
• Front sprocket
• Rear sprocket
• Renthal O-ring chain
• Air filter
• Gearbox oil
• Spark plugs

I'm bound to pick up a few more things, but that's the main bulk out of the way.

Buying mousses hurts the bank balance, but I am convinced it is worth the money, it suits me really well because I make a set last the whole season and I don't have to worry about DNFs due to punctures!